Tonight’s result is a clear message to Labor that their failed Bill is fundamentally unfair and would have reduced productivity in our agriculture sector and threatened jobs in our regions

After months of uncertainty, Queensland farmer and small business finally have confidence for their future

The LNP Opposition has successfully protected the rights of Queensland farmers while continuing to protect the Great Barrier Reef, after Labor’s extreme vegetation management laws, which came at the expense of the State’s agriculture sector, were voted down by Parliament.

Shadow Natural Resources Minister, Andrew Cripps, said he was pleased common sense had prevailed in State Parliament tonight, despite months of arrogant persistence from a Labor Government that failed to listen to widespread warnings from farmers on the front line, simply to secure the green vote.

“Tonight’s result is a huge win for Queensland’s farmers, small businesses and first home buyers and a vote of confidence in the strength of our laws in terms of the protection of the Reef - this sends a strong message to Labor that Labor’s laws were fundamentally unfair and unworkable,” Mr Cripps said.

“For months, Queensland’s farming industry has had their future hanging in limbo as Labor threatened to take away their rights and make them criminals on their own land.

“Our farmers deserve more credit than that – they know their land better than anyone and they deserve the rights to manage it effectively and responsibly.

“Last year, vegetation management activities occurred on just 0.15 per cent of Queensland’s land surface, proving Labor’s scare campaign on the future of the Great Barrier Reef was unwarranted and misleading.

“Labor’s laws would have removed property rights for our farmers and indigenous groups, reduced productivity of the agriculture sector, threatened jobs in our regions and led to skyrocketing land prices, making urban housing more expensive.

“Our farmers are already facing the impacts of one of the worst droughts on record, the last thing they needed were further setbacks brought about by a Government that should be supporting them.

“Our laws had the right balance between protecting our environment and allowing farmers to manage their land.”

Mr Cripps said tonight’s result was not just a win for Queensland’s farming community, but also for those looking to buy a home.

“If passed, Labor’s laws would have driven up house prices for families and first home buyers across the State, delivering another blow to our already struggling economy,” Mr Cripps said.

“After months of uncertainty, our rural families that supply the food and fibre we all need can now look towards the future with confidence.”